Apparatus for controlling backwater in sewage lines



Jan. 13, 1959 D. DEL vEccHlo 2,368,380

APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING BACKWATER IN SEWAGE LINES Filed June 20, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

Jan- 13, D DEL VECCHIO APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING BACKWATER IN SEWAGE LINES Filed June 20, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTQR. Dezzo 06118667210 ab e/Way Jan. 13, 1959 D. DEL VECCHIO 2,358,380

APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING BACKWATER IN SEWAGE LINES Filed June 20, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. Dena DelVscclzw W (Filer/73y Jan. 13, 1959 D. DEL vEccHlo 2,868,380 APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING BACKWATER IN SEWAGE LINES Filed June 20, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. D6220 DelI/ecclzm Jan. 13, 1959 APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING BACKWATER IN SEWAGE LINES Filed June 20, 1957 D. DEL vEccmo 5 Sheets-Sheet L5 Era. J4

INVENTOR. De/zo DeZVecc/zw United States Patent APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING BACKWATER IN SEWAGE LINES Deno Del Vecchio, Chicago, Ill.

Application June 20, 1957, Serial No. 666,992

20 Claims. (Cl. 210-111) This invention relates to apparatus for preventing the flooding of basements by reverse flow in a sewer line while permitting uninterrupted disposal of sewage and rain Water generated in and on the premises.

Apparatus for the broad purpose stated is well known.

'In general these comprise a unit inserted at some appropriate location in the tributary from the premises to the main sewer line, which location may be either within the confines of the building or exterior-1y thereof. Broadly, the .unit comprises a valve actuated by some means which is responsive to a backwater condition to prevent the water from entering the basement through drains in the floor thereof or through other openings in the sanitary system above flood level, together with a pump for transferring sewage and rain water generated in the premises to the street side of the ,closed valve against the pressure of the flood water. The pump is usually arranged to start concurrently with closure of the valve and to be arrested when the flood condition is sufliciently alleviated to allow opening of the valve andsafe resumption-of normal operation.

This invention has reference to improvements in such apparatus.

A principal object of the invention is to provide apparatus as aforesaid in which closure of the valve is performed in a more reliable manner and practically instantaneously with initiation of a flood condition.

Anotherobject is to provide apparatus in accordance with the immediately preceding object which does not depend upon :a float for actuating thevalve and the sluggish action of-float-operated valves is dispensed with.

Still another object is to provideapparatus ofthe type described having means foripreventing backwash of solid matter intothose parts of the apparatus wherein such solids may interfere with proper operation.

Another object is to provide apparatus of the type described including means functioning during normal sewer conditions for facilitating flow of sewage from the premises directly into the exit side of the apparatus to obviate by-pass thereof into the emergency portions of the apparatus which may otherwise become fouled thereby and thus rendered incapable of function during flood conditions.

A further object is to provide apparatus of the type described which includes novel means for preventing flow to the pump of injurious solids contained in the building sewage, and which means, in particular, includes a turbine in the discharge side of the pump and means for rapid venting of the post-turbine chambers to eliminate air-lock.

Another object is to provide apparatus as aforesaid including means for automatically venting to atmosphere the casing in which the working parts of the apparatus are inclosed and to providesuch result instantaneously upon occurrence of a backwater condition.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from .the ensuing description which, taken with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the invention.

In these drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of apparatus in accordance with. the invention as installed below a basement floor, for example;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus in its relation to the incoming and outgoing sewer connections;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of therapparatus as seen from the sewer entranceside;

Fig. .4 is-an elevation as viewed from the sewer exit end;

Fig. 5 is an elevation as viewed from the sewer entrance end;

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal cross section substantially in a vertical plane through the axis of the sewer line;

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal cross section taken substantially just within the front wall of the casing;

Fig. 8 is a cross section taken on the line 8-8 of Fig. r

Fig. 9 is a cross section taken on the line 9-9 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 10 is a cross section taken on the line 10-10 of Fig. 2

Fig. 11 is a detail view illustrating the means for retaining and sealing the casing cover;

Fig. 12 is a detail in perspective of the turbine runner;

Fig. 13 is a cross section taken on the line 1313 of Fig. 2; p

Fig. 14 is a cross section taken on the line 14-14 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 1 5 is a detail to show the linkage for driving the agitator assembly; and

Fig. 16 is a detail of certain parts of the agitator assembly.

Broadly regarded, the invention comprises a casing having two principal, adjacent compartments, one of which is divided by a bulkhead having therein a main valve ofthe flap type which, when open, permits normal flow of waste from the premises to the sewer main in the street. Upon occurrence of backwater the rising level thereof is effective to initiate operation of a pump containedfin' the other principal compartment whereby the discharge thereof operates a movable gate mounted in aconduit forming a continuation of the outlet of the pump. The gate is mechanically connected to the main valve disc which is therefore closed by the velocity head of the pump discharge to prevent backwater from entering the waste lines of the premises. The pump will continue tolfunction as long as there is sufficient flow of waste to actuate the motor switch thereof and which latter will terminate operation when suchflow subsides. As long as backwater of critical head persiststthe valve is maintained closed thereby even though the pump may have shut down because of reducedIflow of building waste. Alternatively, the main valve may, in accordance with conventional practice, be operated by a float responsive to backwater rising in the casing. Concurrently with initiation of pump operation afloat operated valve in a subsidiary compartment opens to vent the space withinthe casing to vent air from. thecasing. The vent is arranged with its exit end above the floor or ground level. For insuring rapid opening of the. vent valve a I special passage is provided to feed the rising. water to the subsidiary compartment in the first instance in order that the vent valve will open prior to or concurrently with initiation of pump rotation.

In another aspect the invention includes means for preventing fouling of the pump by foreign bodies flowing with .the building waste, such means being driven by hydraulic power derived from the pump discharge.

In still another aspect the invention includes automatic means for preventing influx with the backwater of foreign bodies which may foul moving parts in the path of flow thereof.

Thus, turning to the drawings I have shown a casing 10 of sheet metal fabricated by any available technique or of cast material. If desired those surfaces thereof which are prone to corrode may be coated in any suitable fashion, e. g. porcelain, or the metal, itself, may be'of non-corrosive character.

The casing 10 (Figs. 2 to 5) is generally parallelepipedic comprising a rear wall 11, a front wall 12, a left wall 13, a right wall 14, several floor portions establishing various depths of subcompartments to be hereafter referred to in detail, and a longitudinal center partition 15 defining with the casing a pair of adjacent principal compartments. The casing also includes a detachably secured cover panel 21 for access to the parts within. In order to render such access convenient and expeditious and to provide adequate scalable areas the four Walls 11, 12, 13 and 14 and the partition 15 are formed, at their upper margins, with flanges 22 and 23 respectively, the former being continuous around the periphery. The panel 21 overlies the flanges 22, there being a gasket 25 interposed (Fig. 11) and the peripheral joint is completed by forcing U-shapedclamping strips 26 thereover (Fig. 8). In most of the figures the gasket 25 has been omitted for convenience and clarity. The

dimensions of the parts are so selected that the sealing fit of the strips 26 may be achieved by hammering, and the same readily removed for servicing by hammering in the reverse direction. Additionally the panel 21 is secured to the flange 23 by a row of cap screws 28; there being a gasket interposed along this joint also. The assembled condition is best seen in Fig. 3.

The complete unit is recessed into the cellar floor 29 of the premises or in the ground therewithout in the manner illustrated in Fig. 1. An outer access cover 31 is provided and the branch sewer from the premises is interrupted as shown to receive the apparatus embodying the invention. The incoming-side of the branch is referred to at 32 and the outgoing side at 33. To effect appropriate connections between the sewer line and the apparatus the latter is provided with an inlet collar 37 and an outlet collar 38 respectively to connect with the sewer line sections 32 and 33(Fig. 1). It will be understood that the connections aforesaid are calked or cemented in accordance with approved sanitary practice.

The incoming sewer line 32 is in communication with a subcompartment A (Fig. 2) defined by the walls 11 and 14, the floor of the casing, partition 15 and another transverse partition 41, there being a circular aperture 42 in the wall 14 aligning with the collar 37. Partition 41 (Fig. '10) has an aperture 44 therethrough of substantially the same area as the aperture 42 and is surrounded t by a bolted flange 45 constituting a seat for the main valve to be detailed subsequently. Beyond the subcompartment A, in the direction of normal flow of waste, is another subcompartment B (Figs. 2 and 12) defined by the wall 11, the floor of the casing, partitions 15 and 41 and another transverse partition 47. Each of the partitions 41 and 47 terminate at their upper margins co planar with the flanges 22 and 23.

An opening 51 having a substantially rectangular outline, is cut into the partition 47 (Fig. 9) except as cut off by sloping floor portions 52 and 53. At this juncture it is to be noted that the sloping floor portions occur at various locations in the lower portion of the casing and as illustrated. Unless otherwise noted this expedient avoids the disadvantage of right angled corners in which precipitated solids might otherwise lodge and thus foul certain working parts or interfere with free circulation of fluent material.

At its lateral margins the opening 51 is provided with brackets 5555 (Figs. 2 and 6 to support a fixed shaft 56 upon which are suspended a plurality of independent,

pendulous slats or flaps 57 arranged to cover substantially the entire opening 51. By reason of the offset between the pivot point represented by the shaft 6 and the several centroids of the slats 57 these latter will occupy the rest position seen in Fig. 6. To circumvent any tendency of the slats to swing in a counter-clockwise di rection the upper ends thereof are extended upward sufliciently to act as stops against the partition 47.

As thus far described the apparatus functions for normal disposal of waste by allowing flow into the casing through collar 37, through the subcompartment A and valve 45 (now open) through the subcompartment B and opening 51 and thence out collar 38. Such flow is of sufiicient velocity and the slats 57 are sufliciently light in weight as to cause these latter to swing clockwise. However, in the event of reverse flow, such as occurs with backwater, the slats 57 are maintained in closed position (Fig. 6) whereby to prevent passage of solid objects into parts of the apparatus where their presence may interfere with proper operation. The slats are spaced apart by an amount calculated to arrest any solid matter of a size which may interfere with operation of the apparatus and yet allow passage of water therethrough in volume sufficient to maintain the closed position of the main valve.

Further to prevent unnecessary accumulation of building waste in parts of the casing where the same may be objectionable, i. e. at periodic clean-out periods I provide a deflector 61 (Figs. 2 and 6) in the form of a rib projecting from a horizontal floor portion of the subcompartment A and extending from one side of the opening 42 to approximately the vertical center line of the valve ring 45. Thus, normal waste entering the collar 37 is constrained to follow the right hand face (as seen in Fig. 2) of the deflector in its passage to subcompartment B. It will be understood that, when properly designed, the cross sectional area of the sewer line 32 is many times the average flow and that, therefore, a de- (iii) flector 61 of shallow height will, in general, provide adequate shunting action to the stream. It will be comprehended that rain water may provide abnormal flow but, since the same is not of the semi-solid character of normal waste and, in fact, will dilute normal waste, it may overrun the deflector without harm.

Upon occurrence of back flow into the building waste system the invention apparatus functions to prevent flooding by closing the main valve. Thereafter building waste, including rain water, entering the casing will initiate operation of the pump which then discharges the same to the street side of the apparatus against the static head of the flood water.

More particularly, an electrically driven centrifugal or other type of pump 71 is supported in any convenient manner in a subcompartment C (Figs. 2 and 7) defined by the partitions 15 and 72, wall 12, the casing floor and another partition 75. The inlet of the pump is indicated by an arrow I (Fig. 7) and, in the example, corresponds to an inlet throat coaxial with the eye, of the impeller, as is somewhat conventional. Initially, i. e. prior to closing of the main valve, flood water is conducted through the opening 51, the subcompartment B, the valve ring 45 (the valve being open), the subcompartment A and thence into a subcompartment D (Fig. 2) defined by walls 12 and 14, the partition 15, a partition 72 and a portion of the casing floor.

Partition 15 is provided with an opening 74 at its lower part (Figs. 7 and 10) to admit water from subcompartment A to subcompartment D. The partition 72 constitutes a dam or weir extending from the casing floor to a level approximately half the depth of the casing. Thus when the water reaches that level it spills over into the pump subcompartment C. The pump is character' ized by automatic starting and stopping means, e.' g. a diaphragm-operated switch responsive to head or a floatoperated switch responsive to water level. Accordingly, when water rises in subcompartment C to a point suflide t-.10 operatetheswitchithe pump starts. The arrangement is-;such that water must immerse the impeller before rotation begins-although it is within contemplation to utilizeothermodes ofpriming.

Howevenprior to initiation of pump rotation it is. necessary to insure against presence of a vacuum in the easing, To this end anothersubcompartment. E, (Figs. 2, 7 and 8). isprovided, and is defined by the partition 15, walls12 and 13, thecasing ,floor. andthe partition 75,

. The subcompartment E is placed influid communication. with the lower,part,of,the subcompartment D by means of a passage 81 (Figs. 7, 9 and 10). Forconvenience ofmanufacture this passage has been shown in the example as definedby a channel member 82 secured with its. open side against the partition 15, by bolts 83. "Thus, part'of t-he backwater rising in the subcomp'artrnent D is diverted directly through the passage 81 to the subcompartment E wherein it rises.

Located in the subcompartnjent E is a float operated valve including a float 86 (Figs. 2. and 8) mounted on a projection 91) of a link 91. .The link 91, at its upper end is pivotally connected to one arm of a bell crank 92 pivoted at 93 on a bracket 94. A link 87, parallel to the said arm of'the crank 92, is pivotally connected at its ends to the.lower end offthe link 91 and to a point 88 of a fixed bracket 89. The other arm of the crank 92 carries a stud. 95 to whicha valve disc 96 is secured. A pipe flange 101 or equivalent fitting is fastened to the exterior of the wall 12,'which latter is cut out at 102 to conform. From the foregoing it will have become apparent that water rising in the subcompartment E will raise the float 86 and open the valve constituted by the opening 102 and disc 96. A vent to atmosphere is provided by attaching a pipe 104 to the flange 101 (Fig. 1) and terminating the same at any convenient point above ground orfloor elevation. Thus, prior to initiation of pump operation, or at least concurrently therewith, depending upon the volume and velocity of the flood water, the 'vent is opened to vent the casing and to avoid any vacuum which might otherwise interfere with resumption of normal conditions within the casing following cessation'of pumping. The nature of the linkage intermediate the -float-86 and valve disc 96 is such as to result in the fastest opening of the valve with minimum rise of the float.

For convenience in periodic flushing of debris and other matter accumulated on the walls and internal parts of the apparatus 1 include a pipe nipple 111 secured in the wall 13 (Figs. 2 and 8) extended to an accessible lo cationby piping and into the outer end of which a hose (not shown) maybe inserted. When not in use the end is capped. The electrical conductors for the pump are introduced into the casing through a water-tight seal 110(Fig. 8). t

The invention apparatus is particularly characterized by the use of dynamic head for closing the main valve rather than float operation as is the case with prior art devices known to me although the latter may be used alternatively. In accordance with this requirement I provide amain valve disc 121 of rubber or equivalent material adapted to form a tight seal against the ring 45 (Figs. 6 and 14). This disc is supported in a central region by rigid discs 122 and 123 and the thus-assembled par'ts secured to a valve arrn 124 by a bolt 125. The arm 124 is secured to a shaft 131 journalled in bores 132 and 133.,in respective walls 135 and 136 of a casing 137 now to be desecribed.

The casing 137 comprises the aforesaid side walls 135 and 136 which are secured to a continuous rim 141 of suitable cross section e. g. channel-shaped, by a plurality of screws or bolts142. Suitable mastic or other sealing material is interposed to constitute a casing which is water-tight except. for inconsequential leakage about the shaft 131 and. a second shaft to be referred to hereinafter. It will be noted that the casing is supported, on the partition 15; t t t i Casing 137 includes a chamber 144 (Fig. 7) defined by partitions 145 and 147 intowhich the pump discharge line 148 delivers, the necessary connectionbeingeflected by suitable pipe and fittings. A blade or gate 151 (Figs; 7 and 13). extends across the chamber 144 and is secured to the valve shaft 131 for rotation therewith. Thus, when the pump 71 is delivering its output the dynamic head thereof .actuates the blade 151 counterclockwise to close the main valve. As a result entrance to the building sanitary system is blocked and the valve will remain closed by the static head of backwater for as long as the flood condition exists: For convenience of illlustration the position of the blade for closed conditionof the valve is shown in full lines and in broken lines for the open condition. The path and function of the pump output stream beyond the blade 151 will be described subsequently.

The casing 137 also includes a chamber 155.0n the opposite side of the partitions 145 and 147 through which the pump output flows. Upon termination of flow it is desirable to provide drainage of this chamberback to the pump. Accordingly, the partition 145 is perforated at 156 (Fig. 7) and is covered at its lower end by a flaccid flap 157 of rubber or equivalent material hinged at 158; the free end being downstream. By this means any water remaining in the chamber may drain back to the pump by forcing the flap 157 downwardly. Qn the other hand the pump output is of sufficient velocity to maintain the flap closed to obviate short circuit of the stream from chamber 144 to chamber 155.

Upon cessation of pump output and removal of flood water pressure from the downstream face of the valve disc 121 the valve is opened by a counterweight 161 (Figs. 2 and 13) carried on the arm 162 secured to the shaft 131.

At the other end of the casing 137 away from the pump discharge 148 there is provided a turbine runner 165(Fig. 7) having a face substantially equal to the width of the space within the casing 137 and suitable running clearance therewith. The runner may be of any conventional form to transform velocity head. of the pump discharge into rotary motion. For example, the runner is shown as comprising a central flange 166 upon opposite faces of which a plurality of radial vanes 167 are positioned. However, any known design of runner may be utilized. A shroud 169 forms a continuation of the partition 147 to direct the discharge stream substantially tangentially to the periphery of the runner. Preferably the partition 147 is conformed to define a narrower throat 171 in order that the velocity of the stream may be increased at the point of impact with the run ner whereby to utilize the stream at maximum efficiency. Moreover, a restriction 172 in the form of an arcuate, fixed insert is interposed between the runner and the casing Wall in order to provide a narrower clearance adjacent the point at which maximum utilization of the stream may be realized. Water leaving the runner passes through the chamber 155 and out through a passage 175 provided in the casing and partition 15 (Figs. 7 and 9).

To prevent back pressure of flood water from affecting the pump discharge and the parts subject to the head thereof the passage 175 is provided with :a rubber or other valve disc 181 rigidified on both faces adjacent its center with washers and carried on a stud 132. This latter is mounted on one arm of a bell crank 1S3 pivoted to the partition 15 and having a counterweight 186 on its other arm. Thus, pump discharge may, when sufficient, open the valve as required while also being capable of serving as a check valve for reverse flow.

The turbine, including the runner 165, acts as a source of power for deflecting mechanism now to be described. As will be recognized building waste is likely to carry 7 solid matter such as paper, cardboard, foil, and particles of kitchen refuse, any ofwhich may interfere with operation of the pump and the moving parts operated by the output thereof. Accordingly, all water constituting input to the pump is forced to take a path from compartment D and over the weir formed by the partition 72 (Fig. 13). The upper margin of the partition 72 is formed at a right angle to provide a platform 191 (Fig. 16) to which a plurality of fixed, spaced, vertical bars 192 are secured (Figs. and 16). Desirably a common tie bar 193 is added to stiffen the bars at their upper ends.

A shaft 195 to which the runner 165 is keyed carries, at a point outside the casing 137, a crank arm 196 (Fig. which, in turn, through a link 197 drives an arm 198 secured to a shaft 199. Thus rotation of the turbine is effective to impart rocking motion to the shaft 199. A counterweight 201 may be placed opposite the link 197 to improve the reciprocatory action of the linkage.

Shaft 199 has a plurality of deflector blades 202 (Figs. 10 and 16) secured thereto, these being located either singly or in multiple intermediate the fixed bars 192. Operation is as follows: During pump discharge, namely, handling of building waste by the pump the entire volume thereof is constrained to pass through the deflecting arrangement consisting of the fixed bars 192 and movable deflector blades 202. Any foreign matter of a size calculated to interfere with pump operation is deflected back into the stream or retained on the bars and blades and thereby away from the pump inlet. Eventually, when normal operation is resumed the water level in the compartment D falls and foreign matter floating therein will be enabled to pass into the street main. It has been determined that only light weight paper may cling to the fixed bars and deflector blades and the same will either disintegrate or drop back on to the floor of the casing. While the foregoing arrangement is not intended to macerate foreign matter some degree of such function may be anticipated. However, the particles so resulting are of a size which, together with other particles of harmless magnitude, will pass through the system without interference.

To prevent lateral by-passing of the deflecting assembly just described the mechanism shown in Fig. 15 is enclosed by a shroud 211 which need extend just above the highest expected level of water in the subcompartment D.

In order to vent air from the chambers 144 and 155 the casing 127 has a port 212 covered by a flaccid flap 213. The flap is sufficiently pendulous as to expose the port 212 in the absence of flow through the casing. When flow is initiated air is vented therethrough and the flap thereafter maintained in closed position by the velocity of the water.

As the waste from the building enters the subcompartment A and passed into the chamber D below the edge 74 of the partition 15 it is desirable to equalize the air pressure between these chambers to facilitate disposal of the waste by the pump. It will be understood that backwater is ordinarily concomitant with a heavy downpour which will also tax the roof drainage portions of the building. Consequently the volume of water being delivered to the pump can be of substantial proportions. It is therefore important to relieve air lock in the chambers at the front side of the partition 15. To this end I provide one or more openings 215 (Fig. 7) through the partition 15 whereby air pressure may be equalized throughout the interior of the casing.

It ha been found that a backwater condition will sometimes result in considerable seepage into the ground below the basement floor because of defective joints in the sewer tile, broken tile, perviousness in the building foundations or percolation through the soil. In order to dispose of seepage and thereby minimize damage to the basement floor I provide a seepage valve (Fig. 9) comprising a flexible disc 221 rigidified at its center by metal or plastic washers and carried on a stud 222. This as sembly is mounted on one arm of a bell crank 223 pivoted at 224 on'the front wall 12; the other arm of the crank bears a counterweight 225 to maintain the valve normally closed. However, should seepage water assume a pressure sufiicient to overcome the counterweight force and any pressure existing within the neighboring portion of the space within the casing the valve is opened and seepage water may flow into the casing to be disposed of. To avoid fouling of the valve from the exterior a shroud 227 is mounted therearound, being held to the wall 12 by screws 228 (Fig. 3). I

In order that water'may not remain in the subcompartment C following restoration of normal conditions a check valve 231 (Fig. 10) is provided in the partition 72. This may take any suitable form, e. g. a rubber flap secured to the partition at the upper margin thereof and adapted to cover an opening 232 therein. Thus; water remaining in the subcompartment C will force open the valve and join the main stream of sewage. Similar disposition of residual water in the subcompartment E is via the passage 81.

While I have shown a particular embodiment of my invention, it will be understood, of course, that I do not wish to be limited thereto since many modifications may be made and I therefore contemplate by the appended claims to cover any such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of my, invention.

Iclaim:

1. Apparatus for the purpose described comprising a casing having side walls, a bottom wall, a top wall and a vertical partition defining a pair of adjacent compart ments, means providing an entrance to one of said com-.

A partments for flow of waste from the premises thereinto,

means providing an exit from said one compartment for flow of waste thereoutof to the street main, a valve in said one compartment for isolating said entrance from said exit, a pump in the other compartment havingan inlet port adapted to receive fiuid from said one compartment and an outlet port, a conduit providing fluid communication between said outlet port and the casing space defined intermediate said valve and exit, means responsive to rising water level for venting the casing to atmosphere located in said other compartment, said ver tical partition having a first aperture therethrough adjacent said top wall for equalizing air pressure in both compartments and a second aperture adjacent said bottom wall providing fluid communication between said compartments. 2. Apparatus for the purpose described comprising a top wall, a bottom wall and side walls defining a casing, partition members extending between said walls to defining first, second and third compartments in said casing, said first compartment having an entrance to the casing for influx of waste from the premises, said second com partment having an exit from the casing for efflux of waste to the street main, a valve in the partition between said first and second compartments for isolating said first and second compartments from each other when said valve is closed; a pump in said casing for receiving, when said valve is closed, waste from said first compartment and delivering the same to said second compart:

ent, means for closing said valve upon occurrence of backwater through said exit, a second valve in said third compartment for venting the casing to atmosphere, means operable by a rising level of water in said third compartment for opening said second valve, passage means adjacent said bottom wall providing fluid communication between said first and third comparments, means providing a passage adjacent said top wall for air communication between said first and third compartments, and means providing communication between said last mentioned means and said second valve.

3. Apparatus for the purpose described which com.- bines a casing and partitions therein defining a first compartment having an inlet for waste, asecjond compartment having an outletfor waste, the partition intermediate said compartments having a valve mounted therein for isolating said compartments from each other upon flow of backwater, a pump positioned in said casing having inlet means to receive waste from said first compartment and outlet means including a chamber for discharge of the waste into said second compartment, and deflector means positioned between said first com partment and pump inlet means for preventing passage of. solid'matter to saidinlet, said deflector means including a plurality of fixed members. and a plurality of movable members interdigitated therewith and mounted for rocking movement relative to said fixed members, a turbine runner "mounted in said chamber for rotation by the pump discharge, and means for converting rotation of the runner into rockingmovement of the movable members.

. 4. The combination in accordance with claim 3, further characterized by the provision of a third compartment in which said pump is located, said first and third compartments being in fluid communication, a weir intermediate said first and third compartments, the top of said weir being above the average levelof liquid flowing between said first and second compartments, whereby liquid reaching the pump first flows over said weir, and said fixed and movable deflector members are mounted adjacent the top of the weir.

5. Apparatus for the purpose described comprising means including partition means and a floor defining a first compartment having an inlet for building waste and a second compartment having an outlet for the waste, the partition means intermediate said compartments having a valve therein for isolating said firstcompartment from said second compartment upon occurrence of backwater and for flow of waste from said first compartment to said second compartment when the valve is open and a third compartment, a pump located in said third compartment having an inlet port in said third compartment for shunting building waste around the closed valve from the first compartment to the second compartment, passage rneans afiording fluid communication between said first and third compartments, and a fixed deflector vane extending vertically upwardly from the floor of said first compartment and directed along said floor beginning at a point substantially at that side of said first compartment toward said third compartment and ending'at a point substantially centrally of said valve for diverting normal flow of waste from said inlet to said open valve and away from said third compartment.

6. Apparatus forthe purpose described comprising a parallelepipedic casing including side walls, end Walls, a top wall and a bottom wall; a longitudinal, vertical partition and a first transverse, vertical partition defining with the casing walls and said longitudinal partition first and second compartments in said casing; one end wall having an entrance opening fOYiIlflUX of building Waste to said first compartment; the opposite end wall having an exit opening for efilux of waste from said second compartment; said transverse partition having an opening providing communication between said compartments for normal flow of waste through the casing; valve means associated with saidpartition opening for obturating the same; means responsive to level of backwater for closing said valve means upon occurrence of a predetermined level of backwater to isolate said first and second compartments; a second transverse, vertical partition defining withthe casing walls and said longitudinal partition third and fourth compartments; said longitudinal partition having an opening adjacent said bottom wall to provide fluid, communication between said first and third compartments; a pump in said fourth compartment having an inlet port in said fourth compartment above the bottom wall and an outlet portdischarging into said second compartment; means providing fluid communication' between said third compartment and fourthicorrn partment means responsive to liquid level in saidtouidh compartment for controlling operation of said pump for delivering waste from said. fourth compartment to said second compartment when said v-alve means is closed; said second transverse partition extending from said-bottom wall to an elevation below said top wall to constitute a weir for flow from said first compartment to said fourth compartmenn and valve means positioned at anelevation above the upper edge of said second transverse partition responsive to risingwater for venting air from the casing.

7. Apparatus in accordance with claim 6 further characterized by the provision of an opening in said longitudinal partition adjacent saidtop wall between said-first and third compartments forequalizing air pressure therein.

8. Apparatus in accordance with claim 6 furthercharacterized by valve means in said second transverse parti tion adjacent said bottom wall, said valve means being adapted to openonly whenthe fluid head in saidfourth compartment exceeds the fluid head in said third compartment to drain the fourth compartment into the third compartment.

.9QA-pparatus in accordance with, claim'6 further characterized by strainermeans adjacent the open area between the top of the second transverse partition. and said top casing Wall adapted to trap foreign matter passing over said weir. i

l0.Apparatus for the purpose described comprising a casing, partitionwmeans therein defining first, second,

third and fourthcompartments, saidfirst compartment valve upon occurrence of reverse flow through said exit as by backwater, a second valve in said fourth compartment for venting the casing to atmosphere, means operable by risingElevel ofwater in said fourth compartment for opening said second valve, first passage means providing fluid communication between said first and fourth compartments, and second passage means providing fluid communication between said first and third compartments, said first passage means being arranged to provide preference in fluid flow over fluid fiow through said second passage means to open said secondvalve before water is delivered to the pump inlet, means providing air communication between said first, third and fourth companments, and means providing communication between said last'mentioned means and said second valve.

lleApparatus for the, purpose described in which a pump is provided for shunting normal fiow of building wastethrough discharge passage means around a valve which is closed in the pressure of backwater to prevent backwater from entering the building system and to divert the waste into the street side of the apparatus against the head of backwater the improvement comprisingxa chamber interposed in the pump discharge means, a hinged actuator positioned in said chamber for impingement by the discharge flow, means interconnecting said actuator with the valve for closing the same upon initiation 'of pump discharge-in response to backwater and maintaining the same closed as long as the volume and pressure of the discharge is sufiicient, a turbine runner in said chamber, said chamber having a portion providing a volute for said runner, said runner being operated by the pump discharge, and deflector means in advance of the pump inlet operated by said runner for preventing admission of trash to the pump.

12 Apparatus for the purpose described comprising a casing defining a pair of adjacent compartments, a valve adapted to divide one ofsaid compartments into a pair 0t subcompartment connected to the waste system of the premises for influx of waste thereinto, means defining an exit from the other said subcompartment for efliux of waste to the street main, said valve, when open, permitting flow through said one compartment from said entrance to said exit and, when closed, interrupting such flow, a pump in the other compartment to receive, when said valve is closed, waste from said first subcompartment and to pressure the same into the second subcompartment, said pump having an inlet port and an outlet port, passage means providing fluid communication between said first subcompartment and said inlet port, a conduit having an entrance connected to said outlet port and forming a continuation thereof, a pivoted member in said conduit adapted to swing between a normal position interrupting flow through said conduit and an operative position in response to pump discharge pressure permitting flow therethrough, a connection between said pivoted member and valve to close and open said valve in response to movement of said pivoted member between its two positions, the closing action being in response to pump discharge, the exit end of said conduit being in fluid communication with said second subcompartment, and means responsive to head of waste in said second compartment to start and stop the pump.

13. Apparatus for the purpose described comprising a casing and a partition defining a pair of adjacent compartments, means defining an entrance to one compartment to receive waste from the premises, means defining an exit from one compartment for the efiiux of waste therefrom to the street sewer main, a valve in said one compartment intermediate said entrance and exit adapted to interrupt flow of waste through said one compartment, a pump in the other compartment effective, when the valve is closed, to receive the waste entering said one compartment and to pressure the same into the space defined in said one compartment intermediate the said valve and exit for passage to the main, a second partition positioned in said space having an opening therein for fluid flow therethrough, said second partition extending completely transversely of said space and being imperforate except for said opening therein, and a plurailty of independently pivoted, pendulous flaps in a common plane positioned transversely of said opening, said flaps being spaced apart to constitute a strainer for solid matter flowing backwardly through said opening with backwater, and said flaps being of such mass and so suspended as to swing freely in response to normal flow of waste through said one compartment.

14. Apparatus for the purpose described comprising a parallelepipedic casing including side walls, end walls, a top wall and a bottom wall; a longitudinal, vertical partition extending between said end walls and top and bottom walls to define first and second compartments in said casing, a first transverse, vertical partition extending between a side wall and said longitudinal partition and between said top and bottom walls to divide the first compartment into first and second subcompartments; one end wall having an entrance opening for influx of building waste to said first subcompartment; the opposite end wall having an exit opening for efliux of waste from second said subcompartment to the street main; said first transverse partition having an opening providing communication between said subcompartments for normal flow of waste through said first subcompartment from said entrance opening to said exit opening; valve means associated with said first partition opening for obturating the same; means responsive to level of backwater for closing said valve means upon occurrence of a predetermined level of backwater from the street main to isolate the first and second subcompartments; a second transverse, vertical partition extending between said longitudinal partition and the other side wall and extending upwardly from said bottom wall to divide the second compartment into third and all) fourth subcompartments; said longitudinal partition having an opening adjacent said bottom wall to provide fluid communication between said first and third subcompartments; a pump in said fourth subcompartment having an inlet port in said fourth subcompartment above the bottom wall and an outlet port-discharging into said second subcompartment; means providing fiuid communication between said third subcompartment and fourth subcompartment; means responsive to rising and falling level of waste in said fourth subcompartment for controlling operation of said pump for delivering waste from said fourth subcompartment to said second subcompartment when 'said valve means is closed; said second transverse partition terminating at its upper edge below the said top wall to constitute a weir for flow from said third subcompartment to said fourth subcompartment; and second valve means positioned at an elevation above said upper edge of said second partition responsive to rising and falling head of waste for venting air from the casing.

15. Apparatus in accordance with claim 14 further characterized by the provision of a third vertical transverse partition extending between said longitudinal partition and said other side wall and upwardly from said bottom wall defining a fifth subcompartment, said second valve means being located in said fifth subcompartment, and a passage adjacent said bottom wall providing fluid communication between said first and fifth subcompartments.

16. Apparatus for the purpose described comprising a casing having a pair of opposed end walls, a pair of opposed side walls, a bottom wall and a top wall, a first partition extending between said end walls and top and bottom walls and a second partition extending between said first partition and a side wall and said top and bottom walls defining first and second compartments in said casing, one end wall having an opening into said first compartment for influx of building waste thereinto, the opposite end wall having an opening into said second compartment for efllux of waste to the street main, said second partition having an opening therein providing fluid communication between said first and second compartments for normal flow of waste from said first compartment to said second compartment, valve means for obturating said second partition opening, means responsive to head of backwater in said casing for operating said valve whereby a predetermined head is effective to close said valve means to isolate said influx opening from said efflux opening, a pump in the casing space defined between said first partition, the other side wall, theend walls and top and bottom walls, said pump having an inlet adjacent said bottom wall and an outlet adapted to discharge into said second compartment, an opening in said first partition adjacent said bottom wall providing fluid communication between said first compartment and casing space for carrying waste to said pump inlet, an atmospheric vent valve for said casing located in said space adjacent said top wall, means responsive to rising and falling head of waste in said casing space for respectively opening and closing said vent valve, and a second opening in said first partition adjacent said top wall for passage of air trapped in said first compartment to said casing space for disposal through said vent valve.

' 17. Apparatus for the purpose described comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, a pair of opposed side walls and a pair of opposed walls defining a casing, a partition extending between said top wall, bottom wall and end walls to divide said casing into a pair of compartments, a second partition extending between said top and bottom walls and between a side wall and said first partition to subdivide one of said compartments into first and second subcompartments, means in one end wall providing an entrance to said first subcompartment for flow thereinto of waste from the premises, means in the opposite end wall providing an exit from said second subcompartment for flow thereoutof of waste to the street main, a valve in said second partition adapted, when open, to provide fluid communication between said subcompartments for flow from said entrance to said exit and, when closed, to isolate said subcompartments, said first partition having an opening adjacent said bottom wall for fluid communication between said first subcompartment and the other compartment, a pump in said other compartment having an inlet port to receive waste passing through said opening when said valve is closed and an outlet port connected to said second subcompartment for discharge of waste pressured by said pump into said second subcompartmenL means responsive to rising and falling head of waste in said second compartment for starting and stopping said pump, a vent valve in a wall of said casing adjacent said top wall providing for escape of air from said second compartment, said first partition having an opening adjacent said top wall providing air communication between said first subcompartment and said second compartment, and means for opening and closing said vent valve in response to rising and falling head of waste in said second compartment.

18. Apparatus for the purpose described comprising a casing defining a pair of adjacent compartments, a valve adapted to divide one of said compartments into a pair of subcompartments, means defining an entrance to said one subcompartment connected to the waste system of the premises for influx of waste thereinto, means defining an exit from the other said subcompartment for efllux of waste to the street main, said valve, when open, permitting flow through said one compartment from said entrance to said exit and, when closed, interrupting such flow, a pump in the other compartment to receive, when said valve is closed, waste from said first subcompartment and to pressure the same into the second subcompartment, said pump having an inlet port and an outlet port, passage means providing fluid communication between said first subcompartment and said inlet port, a conduit having an entrance connected to said outlet port and forming a continuation thereof, a pivoted member in said conduit adapted to swing between a normal position interrupting flow through said conduit and an operative position in response to pump discharge pressure permitting flow therethrough, said valve including a closure pivoted for swinging movement, a rigid connection between said closure and said pivoted member to close and open said valve in response to movement of said pivoted member between its two positions, the closing action being in response to pump discharge, the exit end of said conduit being in fluid communication with said second subcompartment, and means responsive to head of waste in said second compartment to start and stop the pump.

19. Apparatus for the purpose described comprising a casing defining a pair of adjacent compartments, a valve adapted to divide one of said compartments into a pair of subcompartments, means defining an entrance to said one subcompartment connected to the waste system of the premises for influx of waste thereinto, means defining an exit from the other said subcompartment for efllux of waste to the street main, said valve, when open, permitting flow through said one compartment from said entrance to said exit and, when closed, interrupting such flow, a pump in the other compartment to receive, when said valve is closed, waste from said first subcompartment and to pressure the same into the second subcompartment, said pump having an inlet port and an outlet port, passage means providing fluid communication between said first subcompartment and said inlet port, a

conduit having an entrance connected to said outlet port and forming a continuation thereof, a pivoted member in said conduit adapted to swing between a normal position interrupting flow through said conduit and an opera tive position in response to pump discharge pressure permitting flow therethrough, a connection between said pivoted member and valve to close and open said valve inresponse to movement of said pivoted member between its two positions, the closing action being in response to pump discharge, the exit end of said conduit being in fluid communication with said second subcompartment, bias means for reopening said valve upon cessation of discharge head, and means responsive to head of waste in said second compartment to start and stop the pump.

20. Apparatus for the purpose described comprising a casing having a pair of opposed end walls, a pair of opposed side walls, a bottom wall and a top wall, a first partition extending between said end walls and top and bottom walls and a second partition extending between said first partition and a side wall and said top and bottom walls defining first and second compartments in said casing, one end wall having an opening into said first compartment for influx of building waste thereinto, the opposite end wall having an opening into said second compartment for efllux of waste to the street main, said second partition having an opening therein providing fluid communication between said first and second compartments for normal flow of waste from said first compartment to said second compartment, valve means for obturating said second partition opening, means responsive to head of backwater in said casing for operating said valve whereby a predetermined head is effective to close said valve means to isolate said influx opening from said etflux opening, a pump in the casing space defined between said first partition, the other side wall, the end walls and top and bottom Walls, said pump having an inlet adjacent said bottom wall and an outlet adapted to discharge into said second compartment, an opening in said first partition adjacent said bottom wall providing fluid communication between said first compartment and easing space for carrying waste to said pump inlet, an atmospheric vent valve for said casing located in said space adjacent said top wall, means responsive to rising and falling head of waste in said casing space for respectively opening and closing said vent valve, a second opening in said first partition adjacent said top wall for passage of air trapped in said first compartment to said casing space for disposal through said vent valve, and strainer means intermediate said first partition opening and said pump inlet for trapping foreign matter likely to foul said pump.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,354,879 Boland Oct. 5, 1920 1,408,154 Allen Feb. 28, 1922 2,347,544 De Costa Apr. 25, 1944 2,421,066 Howe May 27, 1947 2,569,102 Howe Sept. 25, 1951 2,676,666 Howe Apr. 27, 1954 2,701,026 Howe Feb. 1, 1955 2,739,662 Sofia Mar. 27, 1956 2,747,678 Howe May 29, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS 560,607 Germany Oct. 4, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No, 2,868,380 January 13, 1959 Deno Del Vecchio It is hereby certified that error appears in the-printed specification of the above "numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 8, lines 53 and 54, for "defining read define lines '74 and '75, for "combines" read comprises column 10, lines 1 and 2,- after cor npartment insert a comma; line 58, for "pressure" read presence column 11, line 31, after from" insert said line 62, for "second said read said second column 12, line 65, after "opposed' insert end column 14, line 33, after "valve" insert means Signed and sealed this 19th day of May 1959 SEAL) Attest:

KARL H. AXLINE ROBERT C. WATSON Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

